‘Let’s Unite To Eliminate Child Labor’- IIMSAM Mid- East Director Message On The Eve Of World Day Against Child Labor

Doha, Qatar (I-Newswire) June 12, 2011 - On the occasion of World Day against Child Labor, Dr. Naseer Homoud, Goodwill Ambassador and Director of Middle East office for the Intergovernmental Institution for the use of Micro-algae Spirulina against Malnutrition (IIMSAM), the Intergovernmental Observer to the United Nations Economic and Social Council said “on this day IIMSAM invites all to join us in advocating for the rights of children around the world, especially those who are being exploited in the worst forms of child labor. IIMSAM has a long history of working to stop child labor. We continue to support international conventions in addition to national and local legislation to reduce the worst forms of child labor and ensure that all workers' rights are protected”.

The Goodwill Ambassador while commemorating the day said “a huge percentage of children work in the service sector, selling goods in streets and markets, carrying heavy loads, working in hotels and restaurants, or as domestic servants, child laborers are also employed in industries as mining and quarrying, small-scale manufacturing and construction. These are often dangerous jobs, exposing them to toxic substances and requiring physical labor often unsuitable for their undeveloped physical stature”. He added “such exploitation cannot be stopped by just one strategy. We must all work to address its root causes – including poverty, a lack of decent work for parents, weak enforcement of labor laws, and a lack of educational opportunities for children. All children, irrespective of their gender, economic or ethnic background should have the opportunity to attend school and live up to their full potential”.

He urged “we have to realize the gravity of this problem; it is connected with all of us. When the children's nimble fingers scrub oil from vessels or sweep the floor, stitch in embroidery units or mould glass, and the light of hope starts fading. Strong determination, unstinting participation, a motivated political will and passion are required to tackle and eradicate this social evil”.

The Goodwill Ambassador mentioned that the United Nation's Millennium Development Goals target of achieving universal primary education and eliminating gender disparity in education by 2015, which also means tackling child labor and this, he said “can only be achieved if all children, no matter the race or location to they belong, are given opportunity to access education and training opportunities; this is the only sure way to give our children the requisite skills, attitudes and experience for productive adulthood to contribute to national development”. He added “the long-term solution for eliminating child labor lies in reducing poverty, promoting access to employment, improving the quality of education and expanding access to schooling for disadvantaged groups”.

About IIMSAM:
IIMSAM in a permanent observer to UN ECOSOC

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